John Coughlan of Pineview Gardens, Moyross, Limerick, was brought to a special sitting of Limerick District Court.

The defendant was escorted to and from the courthouse by armed members of the Regional Support Unit. He was charged with the murder of father-of-two Daniel Treacy (35) at the Topaz filling station, Caherdavin, Limerick, on February 22 last.

Det Sgt Derek Clancy of Mayorstone garda station in Limerick gave evidence of arresting, charging and cautioning the defendant at Henry Street garda station at 7.42pm last night.

Members of both the victim's family and the defendant's sat in on last night's brief court sitting.

The State asked that the defendant be remanded in custody to appear before the same court again this Thursday.

The judge noted that as the charge was murder, any bail application would be a matter for the High Court. The defendant will appear before the same court again via video link from Limerick prison this Thursday.

A 51-year-old man who was also arrested in connection with the murder last week remained in garda custody last night.